General/Business Unit Manager (CEO & General Management)
Full time
We are seeking a dynamic and adaptive General Manager who combines servant leadership, operational expertise, and wine industry experience with a passion for excellence in hospitality.
This is a keystone role that requires an inspiring leader capable of driving growth, motivating a close-knit team, and ensuring quality across every aspect of our operations.
You will oversee and direct a wide range of functions, including health and safety, hospitality, cellar door development, operations, sales, marketing, viticulture, winemaking, finance, and human resources. Reporting to the Managing Director, you will play a critical role in defining and executing the strategic goals of our family-owned winery.
Initially, your focus will be on overseeing key development projects, including a new winery, warehousing, and secondary cellar door, while driving future expansion across the Central Otago region. This role demands a hands-on, pragmatic approach, balancing strategic oversight with the adaptability to address day-to-day operational challenges.
Key Responsibilities:
Strategic Leadership Develop, execute, and report on the overall business operating strategy
Manage seven direct reports and 20 company employees
Define and uphold company policies, standards, and culture
Operational Management Oversee health and safety for all staff and customers
Manage and maintain full compliance across licenses, certifications, building infrastructure, and council requirements
Supervise development projects, including winery construction completion, warehousing, and a secondary cellar door
Ensure property grounds and buildings are maintained to the highest standards, including ad hoc property maintenance and organisation
Provide direction for operational plans, technology and operating procedures for existing site and new developments
Lead financial responsibilities such as cashflow forecasting, CAPEX, and reporting to Company Directors
Monitor financial targets, expenditure, and overall budget performance
Collaborate with department leaders and finance to ensure financial objectives are met
Develop and implement sales strategies, including working with distributors
Identify opportunities for revenue growth and market share expansion domestically and internationally
Engage with guests, vendors, and industry professionals to strengthen brand presence
Oversee the development of department plans and budgets
Represent the winery with regional industry associations, at trade shows, and other relevant events
Human Resources Act as the main point of contact for HR matters, including hiring, onboarding, and performance evaluations
Manage all HR processes to ensure employee development and alignment with company goals
Additional Responsibilities Collaborate on wine style and quality
Assist with menu planning and development
Take a hands-on approach to property maintenance, and operational tasks large and small as required, including property upkeep and supporting family requests
Manage residential and commercial leases (three residential and two commercial properties)
Key Attributes & Skills:
Proven experience in leading diverse teams with a focus on collaboration and servant leadership
Strong organisational and problem-solving skills, with keen attention to detail
Exceptional communication and interpersonal abilities to engage with a wide range of stakeholders
Knowledge of winemaking processes, vineyard management, and hospitality operations
Financial acumen, with the ability to monitor budgets, manage expenditures, and drive revenue growth
Passion for sustainability, wine, and delivering extraordinary customer experiences
Adaptable and proactive approach to managing challenges and opportunities in a fast-growing business
Flexibility to work weekends, holidays, and non-standard hours as needed
Minimum 5 years of experience in business management, finance, and hospitality, with relevant wine industry experience preferred
What's in it for You:
A competitive salary and benefits package
The opportunity to lead an ambitious and experienced team in reviving one of New Zealand's oldest wineries
Be part of building an iconic wine brand with a rich history and exciting future development plans
About Us:
Founded in 1864 by Jean Désiré Féraud, Monte Christo is the birthplace of Central Otago wine. Located in Clyde, our family-owned winery focuses on producing high-quality Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from organic estate vineyards, along with other varieties.
We opened our historic winery turned cellar door in late 2023, in addition to an underground wine cellar and private tasting room, an outdoor bar and food area, and cottage accommodation. We are close to the completion of a 200-ton production winery and have additional development projects in the works for 2025.
This is a unique opportunity to shape the future of a historic property, contribute to a legacy, and grow a premium wine brand internationally.
How to Apply:
If this opportunity sounds like a great fit, we'd love to hear from you. Please submit your CV along with a personal introduction. Due to anticipated high interest, we appreciate your patience as we review applications.
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